Lead Network Engineer

University of Michigan Information and Technology Services

Ann Arbor (MI)

Hybrid

USD 103,000 - 114,000

Full time

15 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Retirement plan with company matching

Health insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Flexible spending accounts

Dental & Vision

Parental and Maternity Leave

Job summary

University of Michigan Information and Technology Services is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to guide the Wi‑Fi group, lead complex projects, and collaborate across IT teams to design and deploy wireless networks on campus. You will mentor engineers, develop deployment instructions, and support network operations.

The role requires extensive experience with Aruba Wi‑Fi, RF fundamentals, and strong stakeholder communication. Hybrid work is available with some in‑person days in Ann Arbor.

Qualifications

Bachelor degree in electrical or computer engineering or related field.
6+ years with HPE/Aruba Wi‑Fi, AOS 8+.
4+ years in roles requiring confidentiality, timeliness, customer service, and independent work.
Knowledge of OS, Python, networking, RF fundamentals.
Experience defining objectives and standards for wireless activities.
Proficient with MS Office and collaboration tools.
Knowledge of TIA/EIA standards and practices.
Experience in designing twisted pair, fiber, wireless, and coax systems.
Proven ability to lead project teams.
Coordinating multiple tasks across departments to meet deadlines.
Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to drive UM vehicle with valid license.

Responsibilities

Guide design, support and deployment for new technology on campus.
Provide lead technical consulting to managers and customers.
Collaborate with IT teams and research new products/technologies.
Represent the team on university committees and host seminars.
Participate in HE networking groups and strategic planning.
Lead budget, time estimates and risk notifications for projects.
Design networks using established guidelines and customer requirements.
Publish detailed network design documents including RF and CAD details.
Develop procedural documentation for staff and teams.
Prepare and review RFPs and bids; advise on bidder selection.
Mentor lower-level engineers through root-cause analysis.
Coordinate tasks across departments to meet deadlines.

Skills

Wi‑Fi expertise

Python

Networking fundamentals

Project leadership

Communication

Troubleshooting

Customer collaboration

Education

Bachelors in EE/CE

Tools

Aruba Wi‑Fi

Aruba AOS

CAD

Job description

Extended Site Maintenance. We are performing updates and maintenance to improve the applicant experience. As a result, the site will be unavailable from Saturday, August 29, at 9:00 p.m. ET through Sunday, August 30, at 8:00 a.m. ET. During this outage period, applications for job postings cannot be submitted.

Competitive salary available based on qualifications, experience and education of the selected candidate.

Who We Are

Information and Technology Services (ITS) supports U-M faculty, researchers, staff, and students in their use of technology to teach, learn, research, and work, and be leaders in their fields. We are dedicated to creating cohesive digital experiences and promoting university wide innovations. ITS's mission is to be trusted enablers of technology for the U-M community. ITS works together to provide cohesive digital experiences and seamless support to the U-M community. The Network Engineering and Architecture team is responsible for the design of all computer networks at the University of Michigan. For more information about ITS, visit: https://its.umich.edu/about.

Job Summary

Information and Technology Services (ITS) is looking for a Network Engineer Lead for the Network Engineering and Architecture Team. In this role you will provide leadership to the WI-FI group within the team. You will also lead complex projects that require expert technical proficiency in Wi-Fi network technology. You will collaborate with team members and provide consultation to other technical teams to develop and implement new network systems. You are expected to assist the Network Operations Team in resolving problems, which may be at an end user level or on the network side. As part of project work you will develop instructions for the installation and upgrades of systems and may actually implement the work. You will report to the Network Planning Manager. This job is hybrid with occasional in person days in Ann Arbor.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

Guide the design, support and operational implementation for new technology and product deployments for the UM campus
Provide a lead technical consulting role to project managers and customers to ensure optimal network design and deployment strategies
Collaborate with multiple IT teams and advise on new products/technologies, conduct research to support recommendations
Represent the team on university committees and hold seminars with appropriate audiences to support knowledge sharing
Participate in Higher Education Networking groups, such as the BTAA Network Group
Participate in strategic planning and setting of technical direction

Project Implementation/Problem Resolution

Design networks using established guidelines and customer requirements. Review the design, bill-of-material, project costs, drawings, documentation, and configuration specifications for implementations created/proposed by the engineering team
Prepare and publish detailed documents for completed network designs including RF design, wired network design, and associated CAD details
Develop and present procedural documentation for the team and other technical staff
Develop RFPs (requests for proposal), reviews bids and consult on bidder selection
Guide lower level engineers through root-cause analysis of network infrastructure failures
Provide accurate estimates for budget, time, and tasks; identifies impacted teams; and notifies management of potential risks and issues

Required Qualifications

Bachelor degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field and/or equivalent combination of education, certification and experience
Minimum of 6 years of related experience with HPE/Aruba Wi-Fi, specifically the administration of the system with AOS 8 or newer
Minimum of four years experience in a related role requiring confidentiality, timeliness, customer service, organization, prioritization, troubleshooting, and working independently to successfully assist customers in their utilization of computer and network hardware and software
Demonstrated knowledge of applicable: computer operating systems; Python programming; computer networking; and radio frequency fundamentals
Demonstrated experience determining project objectives and requirements, anticipating and solving problems, and developing standards and guidelines for wireless activities
Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, and collaboration applications
Knowledge of TIA/EIA (Telecommunication Industry Association/Electronic Industries Alliance) standards and practices
Experience in the design of twisted pair, fiber optic, wireless, and coaxial systems related to customer premise wiring and networking
Proven ability to lead project teams to meet customer expectations
Demonstrated successful performance with coordinating and completing multiple tasks within and across departments to meet changing deadlines
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in negotiation, and conflict resolution
Ability to meet the requirements of driving a U-M vehicle and have a valid driver license with less than 7 points

Desired Qualifications

HPE/ Aruba Professional level certification for Campus Access
Aruba Certified Expert, Campus Access Mobility

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits

Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Dental and Vision Insurance
Parental and Maternity Leave

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

UM- ITS welcomes a healthy applicant pool so we encourage all interested applicants to apply. We may underfill this position at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. The salary range for the senior level is $87,338 - $97,043.

Additional Information

Must meet the requirements of driving a U-M vehicle and have a valid driver license with less than 7 points
Work is primarily remote currently, but there are times when on site work is necessary sometimes with short notice
May require working during non-business hours and on weekends

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID
281870

Working Title
Lead Network Engineer

Job Title
Project Engineer Lead

Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work
Hybrid

Full/Part Time
Full-Time

Regular/Temporary
Regular

FLSA Status
Exempt

Organizational Group
Its Comm Dc

Department
ITS Infra Net Dir of Eng